For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and entertaining
